Bronx, NY- In honor of the countless contributions that African-Americans have made to our country, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, the Montefiore Health System, Health First and the Claremont Community Center will host a Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 7th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

(Bronx, NY) – Today, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Montefiore Health System, Morris Heights Health Center, the Bronx Borough President’s African Advisory Council, The Bronx District Attorney's Office, and the New York Commission on Human Rights gathered at Claremont Neighborhood Center to inform members of the community about Ebola, discourage further violence towards the African community and promote actions the community can take to help fight this global health concern.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Bronx CAN Partners to Distribute 2,000 Backpacks and Provide Health Screenings for Children and Parents

(Bronx, NY) - State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Bronx CAN partners including, Kars for Kids (www.kars4kids.org), Union Community Health Center, Montefiore Medical Center and other community health partners, have joined together to host three events throughout the 33rd Senate Districts with free health screenings and over 2,000 free backpacks for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade.

Albany, NY - Today, State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) introduced a resolution designating the month of June as Immigrant Heritage Month in New York State. The resolution seeks to highlight, recognize and celebrate the countless contributions immigrants have made to our State.

"Today, New York State took a big step toward providing thousands of New Yorkers suffering from serious and debilitating conditions access to medical marijuana to relieve their symptoms. As Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee, I proudly voted for the Compassionate Care Act, and I congratulate Senator Diane Savino and my other colleagues who voted to approve the bill. Now it goes to Senate Finance. While its future is uncertain, I know we did the right thing today - and I will work as hard as I can to ensure that the Compassionate Care Act passes the Senate before the end of this session.

“As New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. Shah has done extraordinary work to advance the overall health of the people of our state. His leadership has been essential in expanding and improving the quality and access to health care for New Yorkers. His departure will truly be a loss for our state. I wish him all the best as he pursues new endeavors and look forward to working with Dr. Zucker moving forward.”

"Today's failed attempt to pass the DREAM Act once again demonstrates how the Independent Democratic Conference is not able to deliver bi-partisan support for progressive legislation. Ultimately, this is a Republican-led coalition and not a bi-partisan one. It is truly disappointing that we continue to deny thousands of young New Yorkers the resources necessary for a quality education and a brighter future."

"In my time as an elected official, I have strongly advocated that our state's incarcerated population - as part of their rehabilitation - has the resources and tools necessary to successfully re-enter into society," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Investing in education, particularly for those New Yorkers in the penal system, lays the groundwork for a better future, increased work opportunities, lowers recidivism and will not only decrease crime in our communities, but will cost the taxpayers less money.

"I commend Governor Cuomo for his relentless work in securing an agreement with the federal government that will allow our state to reinvest $8 billion into our healthcare system. Not only will this funding be key in allowing our State to improve the quality and access of care for all New Yorkers, but it will also help create a more efficient healthcare system for our State's citizens. These dollars will be essential in repairing the economic strain many of our hospitals face and allow them to continue to provide care to the communities they serve. This is truly a win for New York."

"Non-profit organizations must remain accountable and transparent to the people they represent and serve. While I was incredibly concerned to learn of the issues surrounding the board of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, I believe the Attorney General was able to reach a very favorable resolution," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx).

(Albany, NY) – Today, Senator Gustavo Rivera introduced a bill in the State Senate that would tax electronic cigarette cartridges as a tobacco product in an effort to continue the pursuit of reducing New Yorker's exposure to nicotine and other damaging chemicals. This bill has also been introduced in the State Assembly by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

"It is unacceptable that the current structure of our Senate empowers a select few to prevent important legislation from even being discussed on the Senate floor. New Yorkers deserve a legislature that openly and freely debates - and ultimately votes on - those issues of great importance to New Yorkers, including legislation on UPK funding."